Zoom lenses with a Macro-setting
was popularized during the '80. Nikon's initial negative approach to such idea to
the Nikkor was understandable as it has added complexity in the lense design. Further,
although no one wants to admit that, such complexity could also indirectly at a compromise
on optical performance. However, eventually Nikon bowed to commercial demand and
among all the Japanese lense manufacturers, the Company finally revamped their entire
series of consumer grade Zoom-Nikkor lenses with a Macro feature. The "Macro",
is not truthfully reflects the actual capability but rather, it should be more appropriate
to term it as "close-focus", usually relates to magnification ratio between
1:4 and 1:6 and it was more popular with the wideangle-zoom than the mid-to-tele
lenses. However, the true batch of Nikkor lenses that offer Macro is still confined
to the premier class of MF Micro-Nikkor & Bellow-Nikkor lens series.

In 1986, the first version
of the Autofocus Micro-Nikkor lense, an AF Micro-Nikkor 55mm f/2.8 was introduced. The subsequent years,
we saw many upgrades of the Micro-Nikkor, a radical change in design happened in
1989 where the focal length has been changed to 60mm instead of 55mm, it was followed
by the redesigned of an AF version from the famed manual focus 105mm f/2.8. When
the F90X enhanced Matrix Metering, many of these Micro-Nikkor lenses have also been
upgraded to the D-versions. So, what are all these got to do with this here ? Well,
I am referring to optical development of the Micro-Nikkor family which saw little
creativity all these years. The last of the series within the close focus capable
Nikkor lense that was truly be classified as "innovative" was the 1984's
MF
UV-Nikkor 105mm f/4.0s
as well as the much-hyped, but less practical DC (Depth of Filed Control) series
of Nikkor (AF-Nikkor 135mm f/2.0s DC (1990) as well as AF Nikkor 105mm
f/2.0s DC (1993). So , for quite a while, I thought Nikon was dried in ideas
as most of the time, introduction of features in the Nikkor lens family were confined
to lens/camera functions rather than lens type. So, when the lense was announced
in September, 1997, this came as a pleasant surprise for all as, for the first time,
there is a new lens type for 35mm photography.

This 70-180mm E/4.5-5.6D lens
offers an array of advantages as it enables macro shooting throughout the zoom range,
giving you a reproduction ratio of up to 0.75x. You can also adjust that ratio by
zooming where you don't have to move the camera during shooting. Also, by adjusting
the camera's position while zooming, you can get a range of perspectives of the same
subject at the reproduction ratio for greater versatility. Plus, the lense employs
ED glass which compensates for chromatic aberration and ensures high-contrast pictures
and better quality for general photography too. These and other advantages make the
AF Zoom-Micro Nikkor another addition to the Nikkor family for photographers t explore
new grounds.

<<<--- Credit: Nikon publicly published the MTF graphs,
a way to show their confidence in the design of this superlative micro-zoom. The
original images for the MTF can be acccessed from Nikon Japan website by clicking
here - if they
are still available (2005).

NOTE: 1. When using Matrix or Centre-Weighted
Metering with this lense attached to F4-series cameras, set the exposure compensation
dial for focusing screens to -1/2. 2, When the lense is used with a camera's
built-in Speedlight. vignetting occurs under the following circumstances: F-601 and
F50: shooting within 1.7m at a focal length shorter than 85mm. or within 0.8m at
135mm or 105mm; F70: shooting within 0.8m at a focal length shorter than 85mm, PRONEA
600i: shooting within 1m at a focal length 70mm. or within 0.8m at 85mm.

Interesting as you may call
it. But the biggest challenger for this lens is actually come from Nikon's fixed
focal length Micro-Nikkor AF-D 200mm f/4.0s ED-IF lense where the Zoom-Micro-Nikkor
has a few areas less convincing for you to rush to buy one. Both lenses uses a 62mm
filter attachment size where cheaper accessories can be used/shared but the tripod
collar for both are a fixed type (preferred a removable type design found on the
MF
Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4.0s IFlense to improve mobility if it is not being used). The Micro-Zoom Nikkor is
significantly lighter in weight (990g versus 1.2 kg) and its variable zoom factor
which allows constant altering perspective is its major advantage over the other
Nikon's 200mm Micros. The readied size of the 300°
rotatable tripod collar is good for contributing reduction is overall weight but
less rigid when mounted onto a less solid tripod. Another good point is, the. zoom
Micro set its maximum reproduction ratio (1:1.3) at its longest focal length at 180mm,
a wise design because perspective can be of more natural when shooting at close range..

However, here are a few points
to consider on practical usage on the field during shooting. The 200mm lense can achieve
a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1 life-size DIRECTLY without any further supplementary
attachment, where the
comparing Zoom-Micro requires a Close-up attachment lense of 6T to achieve that life-size
ratio. The variable apertures of f/4.5 to f/5.6 (changes as you zoom from 70-180mm)
is almost a full f-stop slower at 180mm. On a practical note, which means you'd really
has to take of a camera shake if the ambient light is not favorable for handheld
shootings (this can be compensated via tripod shooting or uses higher ISO film-type).
Next, the use of a powerful 6T close-up filter may also adds slight exposure variation
(compensated automatically with TTL metering) but already slow shutter speed / aperture
combination may even be stressed further.

Overall, we have a well-balanced
high performance Micro-Nikkor lense that permits variable change in perspective and/or
picture angle without the need for the photographer to move fore & backward -
a great design for on the spot picture composition. But the actual dimension of the
lense does extends when zooms - in comparison, the fixed length 200 Micro-Nikkor
counterpart, with its IF (Internal Focusing), remains constant in its overall length
regardless of changing focuses. This feature may or may not functional - as all boil
down to on individual photographic applications and how are you going to setup &
shoot. On the other hand, you have to live with the slow working lens speed and less
desirable maximum reproduction ratio and more things to carry + a small additional
investment of an additional filters as compared to the comparing prime lens of 200mm
micro. Optically, both lenses are top-grade optics. The Zoom-Micro exhibits a softer
image quality at edges at its maximum apertures and perform less desirable with slight
lens flares presents when shooting against a strong light source. But again, don't
let that little negative remarks put of off as I have to stress again -BOTH optics
are of extremely high quality in their physical construction as well as their respective
optical performance. Other than its hefty price tag which makes it less convincing,
both lenses can also be a damn good investment if you often shoot plenty of close-ups
and/or microphotography

Safe working distance provided by a telephoto range
of MACRO lens is useful, other than giving a more natural perspective. Extracted
from documentary series for Discovery Channel on wild elephants at Borneo Island
by my friend, Michael Patrick Wong.